December 3, 2025

Alton: Alton Santa Find out when Alton Santa will be visiting your Street and be ready to Welcome him!

 



Santa’s Sleigh 2025

The joyful build-up to the big day will continue in December when Alton Lions will be bringing Santa’s Sleigh to visit those living in Alton and Holybourne. The dates and routes will be published at altonsanta.org.uk/routes-dates.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Recruit for Spouses: Op SPOUSE and how RFS supports you

What is Op SPOUSE?

RFS gives the following overview:

“A nationwide initiative to strengthen Defence retention, readiness and resilience.

“Family dissatisfaction is the leading driver in the Armed Forces retention challenge – and supporting spouses more effectively is critical to improving outcomes across Defence.

“Op SPOUSE is the solution – it equips military spouses with the tools, opportunities, and support they need to thrive, helping to sustain family stability and long-term commitment to Service life.

“Delivered by RFS – the UK’s leading military families charity – this scalable initiative enhances existing MOD commitments to support Service families, and strengthens Defence outcomes by improving retention, readiness and cost-efficiency.”

Find out more at: https://www.recruitforspouses.co.uk/op-spouse

To find out more about the support available from Recruit for Spouses, please view/download the 'How RFS Supports You' brochure.

NHS England: Calling All Young Carers! Workshop dates for Dec 25 and Jan 26


To register for a workshop please email: ENGLAND.NHSTHINKCARER@NHS.NET

For more information about the support and resources available to young carers in the Service community, please contact Army HIVE on RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk, PM via our social media pages, or use our blog enquiry form (from the blog menu please go to: “If you need further information Please contact us: here.

Alton: Alton Christmas Trail Monday 1st December 2025 to Monday 5th January 2026

 


Get into the festive spirit with our Christmas Trail around Alton. Look out for 11 Christmas globe images displayed in shop windows. At each stop, note down the letter you find and solve the festive Christmas phrase.

Information provided by South East HVIE Hub


MHLO West Midlands and Staffordshire: JSP 464 Confirmation: Process for Leaving/Moving Out of SFA:




3.6.1.1 Pre-move out advisory visit. It is a mandatory requirement that a pre-move out advisory visit takes place up to 2 months before the expected date of vacation.

In order to provide sufficient time for families to prepare for the Move Out appointment, and to allow the Industry Partner the opportunity to schedule enhanced works that may be required, it is essential recommended that the visit is at least 30 working days before a booked or potential Move Out. It is the Service Licensee’s responsibility to arrange the date of the visit with the IPHD. The IPHD is to seek assistance from the Local Service Commander in cases where it proves difficult for Service reasons to arrange a visit.

Please find guidance for best practice :SP/Families are to Communicate early with Pinnacle (Visa/Versa) to secure Pre-Move Out bookings. (As soon as your SP receives new assignment order / Pinnacle receive an application to move – prompt to book PMO)
Please see JSP464 policy for more information.

SP/Pinnacle attempt resolution by adjusting move-in or securing an earlier PMO.
If unresolved, book the earliest appointment outside 30 working days.

Concerns about dual charges: you can challenge charges once received or submit a complaint via Customer Solutions (CS). 

Information provided: Central HIVE Hub

Hereford: Light up a Life Service - Sun 14 Dec, Hereford Cathedral


 

We warmly invite you, your family, and friends to join us for a Light up a Life service.

Sunday 14 December at 6pm.

Light up a Life offers a chance to come together with others who understand the experience of grieving the loss of a loved one. At the service, candles are lit, each representing the life and memories of someone special.

The service is an inclusive and beautiful occasion featuring music, readings, refreshments, and a moment of reflection for those who have held a special place in our hearts. Everyone is welcome to attend, regardless of their connection. The service is suitable for the entire family and we welcome people of all ages.

It’s free to attend, but as always, we’d love you to consider making a donation on the night if you are able to, to help us continue caring for people this Christmas.
After the service, you will have a chance to view the Books of Remembrance. This contains the names of those who had a dedication made to them before 27th November.

This service is very popular, so we’d suggest you arrive by 5.30pm to secure your seat/s. We’d ask that you pre-register to let us know you are coming so that we can accommodate numbers, but please be aware that this does not guarantee seating.

Book


Hereford Cathedral, Hereford Cathedral, Hereford, HR1 2NG

Start: 14 December, 2025 at 6:00pm

End: 14 December, 2025 at 7:30pm

Dorset: Roadworks disruption UPDATE - Sandford (new Lidl store site) until Tues 16th Dec 2025


Disruption is expected at 
Sandford A351/B3075 junctions in Wareham, ahead of the new Lidl store opening early 2026

Multi way traffic lights will be manually controlled seven days a week, from 7am to 7pm.

Expect delays at peak travel times 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE 

Hereford: Family Nativity Trail - Hereford Cathedral


 

We will start with a Nativity Family Trail on Thursday 11 December 2025 until Saturday 10 January 2026, families can take part in our Nativity Trail across the cathedral to discover more about the story of Christmas.

Pick up a free leaflet from the Welcome Desk as you arrive and follow the trail around the cathedral to find the different parts of the nativity story. Answer the questions as you go around, take the highlighted letters from your answers and you will be able make a festive word at the end of the trail!

Once you’ve found the answer, take your sheet to the Welcome Desk or Ticket Desk to claim your sticker!

We'd love to see pictures of you taking part in this year's trail - please feel free to tag us on social media!

The trail will take approximately 30 minutes to complete and is suitable for KS1 & KS2 (and their grown ups!). The trail will not be available to take part in when worship is taking place.

Hereford Cathedral, Hereford Cathedral, Hereford, HR1 2NG

Start: 11 December, 2025 at 9:00am

End: 10 January, 2026 at 5:00pm

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Ripon: Festive Storytime 4th Dec


Wrap up warm and join us tomorrow at Ripon Walled Garden for festive stories!

Thursday 4th December
10.30 - 11.30am

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Northern Ireland: Veteran's Hub Christmas Lunch Portavogie - 12 December

 
You're invited to our Veteran's Hub Christmas Lunch, to book for you or your group, just call the Rendezvous Café Portavogie on 02891244040 leave your name and contact number and how many guests and we'll be in contact with you.

Book early, as spaces are limited!

This is funded through our VPPP2 project Thrive Together Schomberg Mourne UlsterScots Mourne Veterans Hub @MAPS in Tyrone @Veterans Hub Londonderry Regenerate Veterans Group Brooke House Health & Wellbeing Centre The Antrim Coast Veterans Network Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust Veterans Voice NI Veterans News Hub NI @followers

#ThriveTogether #ThriveTogetherNI #veteranssupportingveterans #veteranshelpingveterans #veteransupport #VeteransCommunity

Information provided by HIVE NI